The Infant Adoption Process in Texas: Step-by-Step

Choosing to grow your family through the infant adoption process in Texas is a life-changing decision that requires both emotional readiness and a clear understanding of state laws.

 When you partner with a licensed, reputable agency, you can move forward with the peace of mind that your journey is legally secure and ethically sound.

This article walks you through every requirement in the Lone Star State, from the initial home study to the moment your adoption is finalized in court.

You deserve a clear path forward as you work toward the life-changing moment of holding your baby for the first time. If you are ready to take the first step toward parenthood, contact us today for free adoption information.

Understanding the Private Infant Adoption Process in Texas

The infant adoption process follows a specific legal path designed to protect the child, the birth parents, and you.

While every family's story is different, working with a licensed professional helps you meet the requirements of the Texas Family Code while focusing on the arrival of your baby.

You can view our comprehensive adoption process guide to see how these steps fit together.

Step 1: Choosing a licensed Texas adoption agency

Your first step is selecting a professional to manage your case. In Texas, choosing a licensed agency is vital because it provides a level of oversight and security that independent adoptions often lack.

As a national agency with offices located in Texas, you will see how our local expertise and national reach help protect your family from legal risks.

Step 2: Becoming an eligible family through the Texas home study

Before you can adopt, you must be cleared through a home study. This includes background checks, home visits, and a review of your finances to ensure a stable environment for a child.

To get a head start, you can begin preparing for your home study by gathering your Texas-specific medical and financial records early.

Step 3: Finding a match with an expectant mother

Once your profile is active, it will be shown to expectant mothers who are looking for a family like yours. In the infant adoption process, the birth mother holds the right to choose the adoptive parents.

When a connection is made, your agency will facilitate communication so you can build a relationship before the birth.

Step 4: Planning the hospital stay and placement

As the birth mother’s due date approaches, we use your adoption planning questionnaire to coordinate a plan that respects her preferences and outlines exactly what the hospital stay will look like for you.

This pre-arranged plan determines details such as who is present during delivery and how much time you will spend with the infant, helping to remove uncertainty during the infant adoption process.

By aligning everyone’s expectations before the birth, we help make the physical placement of your child as smooth and focused as possible.

Step 5: Completing adoption finalization in Texas

Once your baby is home, the final stage of the infant adoption process involves a series of post-placement visits to ensure a smooth transition for your family.

These visits lead to a final court hearing, which typically takes place six months after placement.

During this hearing, a Texas judge will review your case and sign the final decree of adoption, officially naming you as the child’s legal parents.

Successfully finalizing your infant adoption marks the permanent legal conclusion of your journey and the moment your child officially becomes a member of your family.